Central Queensland entrepreneur invents peck-proof helmet

Then they become "evil swooping magpies - and when they get you in their sights you're a target", said Emerald resident, Blackwater miner and entrepreneur Mike Wignall.

Mike, a keen cyclist, got so sick of being attacked by the sharp-beaked terrors who aggressively protect their young during the short breeding season, he conjured up a simple but effective headgear protection - which is taking off with its popularity.

It's a legal cycling helmet with an added brim, which has good health benefits as well as ample pecking protection.

"It's new and unusual," Mike said.

"It stops both the sun - and the magpies."

Mike first thought about the idea five years ago.

"I like to ride my bike, but looked for something to stop the magpies," he said.

"There was one I saw in the US but it was designed for equestrian use - and it was cumbersome.